Tips for Preventing Frozen Water Pipes
During extreme frost conditions homeowners can experience issues with frozen water service lines inside and outside the home. If the water line freezes, you will be without water. Property owners are responsible for the water service line from the meter in the house to the main out in the street. Public Works provides the following tips for preventing frozen water pipes:
Check the water temperature: Allow cold water to run from the faucet until it gets as cold as it can and then check the temperature with a small indoor/outdoor thermometer that registers at least 32 degrees. The water temperature should be around 45 degrees. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees, frost may be getting close to your service line and you could have an impending freeze up. In that case...
Let the water run: Let a faucet that has a supply pipe running along an outside wall drip or run at a pencil size stream throughout the day and night. Flowing water freezes slower than standing water in a pipe. The extra cost on your water bill can be considered as insurance to avoid the inconvenience and expense of correcting a frozen service line.
Do not turn your heat down during extreme chills: The cooling down period allows pipes to be exposed to the cold that penetrates the walls before it enters your home.
Check the water temperature: Allow cold water to run from the faucet until it gets as cold as it can and then check the temperature with a small indoor/outdoor thermometer that registers at least 32 degrees. The water temperature should be around 45 degrees. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees, frost may be getting close to your service line and you could have an impending freeze up. In that case...
Let the water run: Let a faucet that has a supply pipe running along an outside wall drip or run at a pencil size stream throughout the day and night. Flowing water freezes slower than standing water in a pipe. The extra cost on your water bill can be considered as insurance to avoid the inconvenience and expense of correcting a frozen service line.
Do not turn your heat down during extreme chills: The cooling down period allows pipes to be exposed to the cold that penetrates the walls before it enters your home.
Leave cabinet doors under sinks that face outside walls open: These areas are not generally heated and receive cold air coming in through walls.
Have someone check on your house if you go out of town: Total house freeze-ups result when the heat goes out and the temperature in the house drops below 32 degrees. All the plumbing in the home then freezes.